Read Novel Full Book 3: Volume 2 - Chapter 1, Into the Forest
Book 3: Volume 2 - Chapter 1, Into the Forest
Translator: Kazumi
Editor: Silavin
King Ernest’s wish had been granted—Kousuke and his companions departed from Tausen Kingdom without incident. Their journey proceeded smoothly, punctuated by Kousuke’s innovative developments in magical engineering and Nana’s characteristic bursts of enthusiasm.
During their travels, Kousuke had refined the magic tools commonly used by Crown’s merchant caravans. While maintaining their primary function of enhancing speed, he incorporated sophisticated comfort features inspired by the challenges of extended travel.
“There are some things you can only understand through experience on the road,” he remarked thoughtfully.
Kouhi and Mitsuki responded with their usual reverent praise, “As expected of Kousuke-sama”—which he deliberately chose to ignore. Later, these innovations would catch Schmidt’s discerning eye, though that tale belonged to another time.
The group had reached Ashir, a town that marked the threshold of their most ambitious undertaking yet: a journey through Sewri Forest that would span more than two weeks. Though small villages dotted their intended route, the vast forested expanse demanded comprehensive preparation. Beyond basic provisions, they needed specialized equipment essential for forest navigation.
On their final evening in Ashir, with preparations complete, fate drew them into conversation with local adventurers at a bustling tavern. The adventurers’ interest had been piqued by the group’s well-appointed carriage and their unusual choice to travel without formal commission. For these veterans who regularly escorted merchants, intelligence about road conditions carried significant weight.
“You’re planning to venture into Sewri Forest?” one adventurer asked, his cheeks flushed from drink.
“Yes, that’s right,” Kousuke confirmed simply.
“Why choose such a troublesome route?”
The question wasn’t idle curiosity. Despite its carriage-accessible paths, Sewri Forest’s reputation for frequent monster encounters made it a notoriously challenging journey. Kousuke’s response was succinct: “We’re aiming for the Gazenran Tower.”
Understanding dawned on the adventurers’ faces. While alternative routes to Gazenran Tower existed, they would extend the journey beyond a month. From their current position, Sewri Forest offered the most direct path—a fact well-known to any adventurer operating in the Western Continent, where reaching Gazenran Tower represented a common ambition.
“Shame you can’t stay in this town for longer,” another adventurer remarked, casting an appreciative glance at Kouhi and Mitsuki. The implication hung heavy in the air, but Kousuke remained unperturbed. Experience had taught him that reacting to every such comment would make traveling with his striking companions impossible. The nodding heads around the table confirmed the wisdom of his measured response.
“Oh, that reminds me,” one adventurer interjected, taking another thoughtful sip. “There have been reports of suspicious individuals around the Sewri Forest route lately. Exercise caution.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the group. “I’ve heard similar stories.”
“Suspicious individuals?” Kousuke prompted.
“Kidnappers, targeting the Elves in the forest.”
Kousuke’s surprise was palpable. “Elves?! There are Elves in Sewri Forest?!”
The adventurers exchanged startled glances. “You didn’t know? It’s common knowledge here,” one explained, “though I suppose if you’re from elsewhere, you wouldn’t.” While the Elves’ presence wasn’t strictly classified, it wasn’t widely publicized either—a deliberate measure to protect their community. The recent kidnapping incidents, however, had begun to disrupt this careful balance.
“Still, kidnapping Elves seems ill-advised,” an adventurer mused. “Even if they’re sold as slaves, their origin would be obvious.” Though illegal slavery persisted through various channels, this particular scheme seemed exceptionally risky.
“The countries are collaborating on this. It’s only a matter of time before they’re caught.” Sewri Forest’s multi-national span meant attempts to exploit jurisdictional boundaries would likely prove futile.
“With national forces involved, they probably won’t need adventurers,” Kousuke observed.
“True. If they did, it wouldn’t be through normal channels.”
Knowing smiles crossed the adventurers’ faces at this insight. Cases with international implications typically became designated requests, rarely appearing on standard notice boards.
“They’ll be caught soon enough, but stay alert,” one adventurer warned, glancing meaningfully at Kouhi and Mitsuki. Their potential value to kidnappers needed no elaboration.
Kousuke acknowledged the warning with a simple nod. “Thank you for the advice.” He kept his deeper thoughts private—anyone capable of successfully kidnapping his companions would pose a formidable threat to any military force.
Kouhi and Mitsuki, who had listened to the exchange in silence, merely laughed. Whether they anticipated potential confrontations remained their own secret.
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The following morning, while some revelers still slumbered in the tavern, Kousuke’s group had already prepared their carriage for departure. Several of their drinking companions from the previous night emerged to bid them farewell.
“Take care,” one called out.
“Thank you for your time,” Kousuke responded.
“Always good to stay connected with capable adventurers.”
Kousuke smiled, sharing the sentiment. His journey had taught him to value such meaningful encounters.
“Until we meet again, somewhere,” he said.
“Yes, until somewhere,” came the reply.
With these customary farewells exchanged, Kousuke and his companions set off in their carriage toward Sewri Forest, leaving the town of Ashir behind as dawn painted the sky in gentle hues of promise.
Silavin: Changed writing style to add more stuff in to make the story flow better.
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